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On the Goe: Show report far better than the snow report

Let’s all make peace with this now. The early Colorado ski season is grim.

It’s nearly December, sunny and hovering in the mid-50s. Where is the snow?

I’m sitting here, just like you, wondering if that season ski pass is worth anything more than the paper it’s printed on.

Well, for now toss out those dreams of epic powder days in the Vail back bowls or, hell, even the West End opening at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, because there is different fun to be had in the mountains this season.

Instead of tuning up your skis and snowboard, tune your ears into the season’s resort concert lineup. So far only a small portion of shows have been announced, and I already like what I see. The snow report may stink but the music is fresh.

You don’t have to travel too far to get access to world-class music this year. Just a couple hours drive from Grand Junction, and you are in the heart of the Rockies at the Belly Up in Aspen.

The Belly Up’s December lineup plays like my iPod stuck on shuffle. If you are hitting any of the four Aspen ski resorts, work in a show because the stage talent is much deeper than the mid-mountain base.

Public Enemy. The Shins. Steve Angello. Thievery Corporation. Divine Fits. Elephant Revival. GRiZ. Adventure Club. Third Eye Blind. There is something for everyone on that list, and, more importantly, fun is not weather dependent.

For those looking to party, I’d zero in on the DJs. Angello, one third or perhaps the biggest group on the planet Swedish House Mafia, brings his blend of house music to Aspen on Dec. 30.

If you can’t wait that long to rave, check out Adventure Club on Dec. 15 or Michigan producer GRiZ on Dec. 19.

Now bros, pay attention here. Both lean heavy on the dubstep side of things, but as my main EDM source Josh says, “ladies love Adventure Club.” Trust him on this.

On the rock side of things you can not miss The Shins. James Mercer isn’t much of a showman, but it hardly matters at a small venue like the Belly Up. No one is better at crafting indie pop songs.

The Devine Fits also is a strong bet. Composed of key members of Spoon and Wolf Parade, the Devine Fits are the best of both bands. They only have three scheduled Colorado dates so this may be your best and only chance to see the band play live.

The downside to shows at the Belly Up is show tickets are essentially the same price as a lift ticket to Snowmass. If you are on a budget, focus your attention to the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series in various Aspen/Snowmass locations.

Only a few performers have been announced but all shows are free so it’s something to keep on your radar.

The crème de la crème of ski resort concert combos is Snowball, a surprisingly packed music festival, this year taking place in Winter Park. This is an end of the ski season event, but if you want to get in on the action, check out the official Facebook page to get on the E-List.

So far there is no ticketing information or festival lineup to drool over. If last year’s event was any indication however, Snowball 2013 will be big.

It may not be puking fresh pow in the mountains just yet (fingers crossed), but there is still plenty of entertainment worthy of your attention.

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David Goe is a programmer for KAFM 88.1 Community Radio. His show airs at 9 p.m. the first Friday and first Saturday of each month. You can email Goe at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter at @David_Goe.